from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Appliance \Ap*pli"ance\, n.
1. The act of applying; application.
[1913 Webster]
2. subservience; compliance. [Obs.] --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. A thing applied or used as a means to an end; an apparatus
or device; as, to use various appliances; a mechanical
appliance; a machine with its appliances.
[1913 Webster]
4. Specifically: An apparatus or device, usually powered
electrically, used in homes to perform domestic functions.
An appliance is often categorized as a major appliance or
a minor appliance by its cost. Common major appliances are
the {refrigerator}, {washing machine}, {clothes drier},
{oven}, and {dishwasher}. Some minor appliances are a
{toaster}, {vacuum cleaner} or {microwave oven}.
[PJC]